Lightroom vs Lightroom Classic: What’s the Difference?

Lightroom vs Lightroom Classic: Adobe always comes with different software and one of the best software is Adobe Lightroom which has two versions Lightroom CC and Lightroom Classic. It has confused the people a lot and they failed to decide which they should choose. I’ll provide clear differences between Lightroom and Lightroom Classic then you can make a decision about which you should choose. 

Lightroom MOD APK also known as “Lightroom CC” stands for Creative Cloud to store your files and synchronize them on multiple devices. This mobile app is for casual users and lacks some advanced tools that can only be accessible by buying its subscription.

Lightroom Classic has local storage and is developed for professional photographers who love to work on desktops. It has some more advanced tools but is not available on mobile which is a major drawback and also requires a learning curve. But on just these differences you can’t decide which app is best. I’ve provided in-depth details of their features.

To check the comparison between Lightroom and Photoshop click on it: Lightroom vs Photoshop.

Adobe Lightroom Classic is a modified version of Lightroom that is well-known for its Creative Cloud Storage and synchronization on different devices. It has a streamlined interface and works perfectly on mobile, desktop, and laptop. This is for freshers and beginners and doesn’t contain more powerful editing tools.

Adobe Lightroom CC is known as a PC app because it works only on desktop and you can’t access your photos on mobile and laptop. Your files will be stored only in local storage and this desktop app is for advanced users with powerful editing tools. 

I’ve compiled a list of features of both apps Lightroom vs Lightroom Classic in table form. 

Here are some key differences that differentiate the Lightroom from the Lightroom Classic.

First, their names are very confusing for people and they want to know what’s the history behind them. Let me tell you both are part of Adobe but Lightroom is also known as Lightroom CC or Creative Cloud Storage. Lightroom Classic is an app that has standalone features and is more powerful than Lightroom. I’m clearing it in two points:

• Lightroom: is a cloud-based photo editor platform that has an organized interface but lacks features present in Lightroom Classic.
• Lightroom Classic: is also a part of Adobe only accessible on Desktop used to edit images.

Lightroom Interface:

Lightroom has a streamlined interface that is easy to use and provides workflow.

• Attractive design with a clean interface.
• Access editing tools by clicking on the three dots.
• Multiple tools: Colors, Effects, Lights, Geometry, Optics
• Easily navigate among tools due to better organization
• Enhance the look of your pictures by clicking on the presets in the editing panel.

Lightroom Classic Interface:

Adobe has developed multiple software and Lightroom Classic has an interface similar to them.

• Required a learning curve for a more complex interface than Lightroom CC.
• Multiple editing tools in develop module: Color Grading, Tone Curve, Calibration, Effects, Lens Correction, and HSL/Color.
• Easily access the tools in the develop module.
• Classic user experience
• Familiarity with the interface helps in doing complex editing tasks.

Winner: Lightroom

Lightroom:

Lightroom CC is known for the Creative Cloud to store images and then access them on multiple devices. If you are thinking about catalog management then you can access it in Creative Cloud, Access the images from there, and edit them quickly on any device. Let me share an example, if I’ve taken a photo on my mobile and want to edit it on the computer then I can do it because of the synchronization that Lightroom offers on different devices. 

Lightroom Classic:

Lightroom Classic lacks cloud storage and your images will be saved in local storage. It has a catalog system to manage your images and also works even if you have a low internet connection on your computer. Here is a drawback if you don’t take backup regularly then there are lots of chances that your data will be lost.

Winner: Lightroom

Lightroom is designed beautifully with enhanced AI features to edit the images and all tools are easily accessible making it easy for beginners. Lightroom Classic has a complex layout due to more advanced editing tools making it the best choice for professional users to get control over its editing tools.

Let’s compare the editing tools of both software Lightroom vs Lightroom Classic:

• Lightroom has a healing brush tool which is present in Lightroom Classic with the name spot removal tool. Both tools work the same.
• HSL/Color Panel in Lightroom Classic while Color Mixer in Lightroom.
• Lightroom color panel has temperature and Tin adjustments in the color panel while Lightroom Classic has these tools in the basic panel.
• Lightroom has lens correction tools in the optics panel while Lightroom Classic has a lens correction panel for this tool.
• Lightroom has all presets in the edit panel while Lightroom Classic has all presets open separately to reduce workspace. Here is how to import Lightroom Presets.

Winner: Lightroom

One of the main features that photographers look for in any photo editing app Lightroom vs Lightroom Classic is the organization of images. In this case, Lr CC has no comparison with Lightroom Classic because it has the Adobe Sensei feature of Creative Cloud Storage from where you can access your images quickly and they are organized beautifully. You can access your edited images at any time and any place.

As it is an AI feature of Lightroom it requires adding keywords or face recognition. However, if you forget to add a targeted keyword then you can still access your specific images by simply searching for the thing present in the picture such as, “Car”.

Lightroom Classic lacks this AI feature and you have to do everything manually which causes real frustration for the users because it is just a waste of time to find their important data. 

Winner: Lightroom

Here is another key difference among these apps Lightroom vs Lightroom Classic tethered shooting. First, set up your camera with the computer then take a real-time photo and review it. 

Lightroom provides limited tethered shooting while Lightroom Classic provides great control over shooting because of more comprehensive tethered shooting. If you want to try tethered shooting on Lightroom Classic then follow the given steps:

Step 1: Open Lightroom and connect your camera to the computer.

Step 2: Tap the file, “select, Tethered Capture” and then click on Start.

Step 3:  Then you need to add details of the picture where to place it, name it, and make adjustments.

Step 4: Click on Capture and get photos on the computer.

Winner: Lightroom Classic

As Lightroom has made its separate identity you can purchase it as its own or from Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan. While Lightroom Classic is just a part of the Creative Cloud Photography Plan. You will get 70% off on Lightroom Mobile subscription while all other creative cloud apps have 55% off.

Winner: Lightroom

Who Should Use Lightroom?

• Casual photographers or beginners use Lightroom because of its easy-to-learn interface and multi-platform editing.
• Photographers who want to organize their images and want synchronization of their files.
• Must be used by social media enthusiast who wants quick editing of their pictures and share them quickly on social media platforms.

Who Should Use Lightroom Classic?

• Advanced photographers use Lightroom Classic due to its advanced features.
• Use Lightroom Classic if you use third-party plugins.
• Photographers who want to do quick editing with a slow internet connection.

• You love the features of the old version.
• You want advanced tools.
• You love to work on your big-screen laptop or desktop.
• You want to restore and back up your files.
• You don’t want to buy a cloud subscription.

• You are just a photographer and want casual editing.
• You want cloud storage and synchronization of your work.
• You want to access images on multiple devices.
• You are a newbie and want a user-friendly interface.
• You want to organize your images or files.
• You get access to AI object search.

I’ve made it easy for you to decide which software you want to choose by comparing their features. But I’m suggesting try it with a Lightroom mobile get yourself familiar with its interface and then move towards Lightroom Classic. It will enhance your editing skills and you will be able to get commands on both editing software of Adobe.

FAQs-Frequently Asked Questions